What It's Like

Jamaica's "capital of casual," Negril can be an intimate -- or illicit -- haven. Locals and tourists interact more here than elsewhere, and with quaint boutique hotels on the West End Cliffs, nightly live reggae on Seven Mile Beach, and a plethora of delicious -- and super-cheap -- beachside lobster shacks, Negril is the ideal place for travelers looking to get outside the resorts and experience real Jamaican culture.

Though technically illegal, marijuana is readily available and a draw for many visitors. "Brownie" stands are known to sell pot-infused baked goods (pun intended). But the drugs are easily avoidable at family-friendly resorts like Riu Palace Tropical Bay, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Sandy Bay.

Where to Stay

Grown from expat hippie bungalows in the 1970s, Negril's eclectic jumble of beachfront motels, cliffside cottages, and gleaming all-inclusives all exude a laid-back, "one love" kind of vibe -- no doubt assisted by the region's spectacular sunsets. Local law requires that all buildings be shorter than palm trees, so even the booming beachfront mega-resorts -- like the Riu Negril, Grand Lido, and Couples that line Bloody Bay on Negril's northern end -- feel smaller and more intimate.

Negril Hotel Guides

At Oyster Hotel Reviews, value is the most important factor we consider when evaluating a hotel. After sleeping at 40 of the most popular hotels in Jamaica, we know the competition and can tell you which Negril hotels really offer the most for your money.

Many Jamaican resorts show off photos of candlelit dinners, secluded beaches, and timeless sunsets. What they won't show you are the screaming toddlers, poolside beer-chugging contests, and flies buzzing around the buffet. After touring the island incognito and sleeping in more than 40 beds, we can assure you that these are the hotels in Negril that truly deliver -- comfortable rooms, scenic pools, blissful spas, and a discreet yet obliging staff.